Nijo Castle 'Honmaru Goten' Repair Work Completed

KYOTO, Aug 01 (News On Japan) - The Honmaru-goten Palace of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, has completed its restoration work and will be open to the public for the first time in 18 years from September 1.

Originally completed during the Edo period, the Honmaru Goten was completely destroyed by a great fire in 1788. The current structure was relocated from the former Katsura Palace at the Kyoto Imperial Palace during the Meiji era. It is the largest surviving palace of its kind and has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Preservation and repair work was undertaken due to structural distortions caused by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and the restoration was completed in March 2024. As a result, the palace will be open to the public for the first time in 18 years.

Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui commented, "We strive to preserve, develop, and foster this precious cultural property so it may be cherished by both domestic and international tourists, and most importantly, the citizens of Kyoto."

The general public can visit the Honmaru Goten starting September 1. Viewing is by advance reservation only, with tickets available exclusively online from August 1.

Source: MBS

Japan's Police Update Uniform, Skirts Abolished

Police uniforms in Japan will undergo their first major redesign in 31 years, with changes including the abolition of skirts for female officers and the introduction of polo shirts to help cope with rising temperatures.

Japan Falls to 55th in Global Happiness Ranking

Japan ranked 55th in the latest World Happiness Report, released on March 20th to coincide with the International Day of Happiness. Finland secured the top position for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark and Iceland, with Nordic countries dominating the upper ranks due to strong welfare and education systems.

Third-Party Panel Releases Damning Report on Hyogo Governor Power Harassment

A third-party panel investigating allegations of power harassment against Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito submitted its findings to the prefectural government on March 19th, concluding that ten instances of his conduct constituted workplace harassment.

Japan Advances iPS Cell Technology with New Osaka Facility

A new facility for the research and production of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been completed in Osaka's Nakanoshima district and was unveiled to the press on March 19th.

Tokaido Shinkansen to Introduce Premium Semi-Private Seats

JR Tokai plans to introduce a new high-end seating class on the Tokaido Shinkansen, offering semi-private compartments that surpass the comfort of Green Car seats.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Obama: Japan's Hidden Historical Port Town | 2-Day Trip

On this two-day trip, we will explore the historic port town of Obama in Fukui Prefecture, and delve into the rich history of the ‘Mackerel Road,’ an ancient trade route where merchants once carried salted mackerel to Kyoto during Japan’s feudal era. (japan-guide.com)

Tokaido Shinkansen to Introduce Premium Semi-Private Seats

JR Tokai plans to introduce a new high-end seating class on the Tokaido Shinkansen, offering semi-private compartments that surpass the comfort of Green Car seats.

Osaka's Food Court Battle Heats Up

Gran Green Osaka South Hall is set to open on March 21st, featuring a key attraction: Time Out Market Osaka. This food court, curated by the internationally recognized media brand Time Out, will host 17 restaurants and two bars.

Shizuoka Approves 4,000 Yen Mount Fuji Entry Fee, Aligning With Yamanashi

Mount Fuji will officially become a paid climb, as the Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly approved an ordinance on March 17th requiring hikers to pay a 4,000 yen entry fee. Following Yamanashi’s lead, Shizuoka will implement the fee starting in the summer of 2025.

Kansai Airport Terminal 1 Renovation Completed

Kansai International Airport’s Terminal 1 has undergone a major renovation, with the previously separate north and south immigration halls now connected by a passageway, allowing arriving passengers to be distributed based on congestion levels.

Japan’s Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge Opens in Osaka

A new leisure complex, Gravitate Osaka, opens this week near Aigawa Dam in Ibaraki, Osaka, featuring restaurants, activity areas, and Japan’s longest suspension bridge, stretching 420 meters.

'Ship Elevator' Opens on Yodo River, Restoring Kyoto-Osaka Water Route

A newly built ship elevator at the Yodo River Weir in Osaka City saw its first passage on March 16th, reopening a historic waterway that had been severed for 42 years. The route, which connects Kyoto's Fushimi district to Osaka Bay, is now accessible again, allowing direct boat access to Yumeshima, the artificial island that will host the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

3 Days in Akita, Tohoku - Japan Hidden Gem Travel

Akita is a prefecture located in Japan's Tohoku region. The area is known for deep snow and traditoinal foods and life style matching with the nature. (Tokyo Kenchan)

< 2 3 4 5 >